Alternative Rite of Passage

Protecting girls from the harmful practice of female genital mutilation.

The Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) program is a modern, two-day coming-of-age ceremony that takes place three times a year. ASK developed the comprehensive program to ensure the safety of the girls attending Esiteti, as well as reinforce the community’s decision to stop the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM).

At sunrise on the first day of the ARP, 20-25 pubescent girls solemnly parade from their village to Esiteti School wearing black shukas. Several male community leaders, including James Ole Kamete, lead the parade. The men are followed by the mothers and the 12 “cutters.” Each cutter is given a milking goat in front of the community as an acknowledgement that they will no longer perform FGM. Men do not participate in the ceremony and are only allowed to attend the festive graduation at the end of the second day. 

In cooperation with the Maasai elders, the ARP curriculum was adapted from It’s All One Curriculum: Guidelines for a Unified Approach to Sexuality, Gender, HIV, and Human Rights Education written by a consortium of international organizations. The ARP also includes education on human growth and development, family planning, reproductive health, health risks of early marriage and pregnancy, HIV and other STD prevention, sexual harassment, Kenyan laws prohibiting FGM, and issues of self-esteem and human rights. 

The program is taught by three ARP Youth Leaders and one registered nurse and is facilitated by a school teacher. High school graduates are groomed and trained to become ARP Youth Leaders. They become an integral part of the community and also serve as role models for the pubescent ARP participants.

Costs

  • ARP sponsorship for one girl: $35
  • ARP Youth Leader training: $200
  • Food for a two-day ARP: $200
  • ARP sponsorship for 20 girls: $700
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